Electronically Pure Single Chirality Semiconducting Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube for Large Scale Electronic Devices

ABSTRACT

An electronically pure carbon nanotube ink, includes a population of semiconducting carbon nanotubes suspended in a liquid, the ink being essentially free of metallic impurities and organic material, and characterized in that when incorporated as a carbon nanotube network in a metal/carbon nanotube network/metal double diode, a nonlinear current-bias curve is obtained on application of a potential from 0.01 V to 100 V. The ink can be used to prepare air-stable n-type thin film transistors having performances similar to current thin film transistors used in flat panel displays amorphous silicon devices and high performance p-type thin film transistors with high-κ dielectrics.

CROSS-REFERENCE(S) TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/290,575, filed on Oct. 11, 2016, which application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/274,634, filed on Jan. 4, 2016, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All patents, patent applications and publications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety in order to more fully describe the state of the art as known to those skilled therein as of the date of the invention described herein

TECHNICAL FIELD

This technology relates generally to high purity single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). In particular, this invention relates to the use of SWCNTs in electronic devices.

BACKGROUND

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been attracting researchers' attention for potential applications as field emission transistors for electronic devices, computers and thin film transistor backplanes. The mixed nature of SWCNTs growth, however, has impeded their implementation. One reason if the unavailability of high purity, single chirality SWCNTs. Current methods of purifying SWCNTs rely on optical spectroscopic screening techniques that have proven unable to accurately establish CNT purity. Devices using semiconducting SWCNTs deemed ‘pure’ by optical screening methods ubiquitously show linear current-to-bias (“I-V”) responses, violating semiconductor characteristics of metal/semiconductor Schottky contacts and illustrating the presence of metal impurities and metallic SWCNTs.

Semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes have demonstrated the ability to be used in place of high performance silicon transistors for applications in microprocessor and radio frequency devices. Semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) thin film transistors (TFTs) also exhibit promise for large size display backplanes. The majority of SWCNT TFTs were bottom gated with SiO₂ or Al₂O₃. The device performance on these bottom gated SWCNT FETs were unstable and degraded after certain time, requiring polymer encapsulation or inorganic thin film passivation. In contrast, top-gated SWCNT TFTs are stable and promising for real applications. A few top gated SWCNT TFTs have been reported using dielectric materials such as HfO₂, Al₂O₃, ZrO₂, and Y₂O₃ deposited using electron beam evaporation or atomic layer deposition. The dielectric materials of these successful devices were all deposited at low temperature (<150° C.).

Recently, the SiNx commonly used for amorphous silicon TFTs was adapted to be used as dielectrics for SWCNTs TFTs. Silicon nitride gate dielectrics for top-gated carbon nanotube field effect transistors showing p-type characteristics were obtained using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) at 225° C. Both n-type and p-type characteristics of SWCNTs transistors with SiNx passivation films or top-gated insulators have been observed based on different deposition temperatures using catalytic chemical vapor deposition. At deposition temperatures higher than 330° C., SWCNTs were destroyed. At a deposition temperature around 270° C., the fabricated transistors were converted from p-type to n-type characteristics. This was interpreted as due to the removal of the adsorbed oxygen. At deposition temperatures between 60° C. and 120° C., the carbon nanotube transistors retained their original p-type properties. Stable n-type SWCNTs TFTs have also been obtained by annealing the devices with a Si₃N₄ layer deposited in a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition system at 110° C. in nitrogen atmosphere at 200° C. for one hour, or by using PECVD directly deposited Si₃N₄ as dielectrics. More recently, SiO₂ bottom gated n-type SWCNTs TFTs having SiNx passivation deposited at 150° C. using PECVD were reported. No damage was induced using PECVD at 150° C., and the obtained n-type characteristics were attributed to the doping of SWCNT by SiNx K (Si≡T⁺) centers, which sufficiently thinned the Schottky Barrier (SB) to the conduction band to allow for efficient electron tunneling from the contacts into nanotubes. The effects of metal/SWCNT contacts were attributed to the wettability of metals to carbon nanotubes.

Schottky barriers occur when the semiconductors contact with the metals. Evidence of Schottky barriers was observed as inflection points in output characteristics of semiconducting carbon nanotube field effect transistors. The linear conductances at low drain bias in the output characteristics of SWCNT FETs with Schottky barriers have been attributed to the tunneling effects, and the on-conductances (4e²/h) are used to determine Schottky barriers of SWCNT TFTs. Thus SWCNT TFTs have been considered Schottky Barrier transistors for the modulation of the contact resistances, with the exclusive focus on transmission through the barrier by thinning the barrier and increasing the tunneling. These theoretical explanations were based on back-gated SiO₂ dielectrics that are purer and more defect free than silicon nitride dielectrics.

Although advances in SWCNT TFT performance has made some progress, devices with performances rivaling those of amorphous silicon based devices has been hampered by the quality of the available SWCNTs.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, electronically pure, semiconducting carbon nanotube (“e-CNT”) are provided. In particular, electronically pure, semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotube (“e-SWCNT”) inks are provided.

In one aspect, an electronically pure carbon nanotube ink includes a population of single-walled semiconducting carbon nanotubes suspended in a liquid, the ink being essentially free of metallic impurities and characterized in that when incorporated as a carbon nanotube network in a metal/carbon nanotube network/metal double diode, a nonlinear current-bias curve is obtained on application of a potential from 0.01 V to 5 V.

In one or more embodiments, 99.9% or more or 99.99% or more of the carbon nanotubes are semiconducting.

In one or more embodiments, the carbon nanotubes comprise one or more chiralities selected from (6,1), (5,3), (7,0), (6,2), (5,4), (8,0), (7,2), (8,1), (6,4), (7,3), (6,5), (9,1), (8,3), (10,0), (9,2), (7,5), (8,4), (11,0), (12,2), (7,6), (9,4), (11,1), (10,3), (8,6), (9,5), (12,1), (11,3), (8,7), (13,0), (12,2), (10,5), (11,4), (9,7), (10,6), (13,2), (12,4), (14,1), (9,8), (13,3), (18,4), (20,2).

In one or more embodiments, the semiconducting carbon nanotubes are of a single chirality, and can be (6,5) single-walled carbon nanotubes.

In one or more embodiments, the semiconducting carbon nanotubes are a single tube diameter of 0.7 nm and length from 500 nm to 10 μm.

In one or more embodiments, the liquid comprises deionized water, and can further include water soluble surfactants, such as for example, water soluble surfactants selected from the group of are sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfate, sodium cholate, and sodium deoxycholate.

In another aspect, an electronically pure carbon nanotube thin film includes a population of single-walled semiconducting carbon nanotubes essentially free of metallic impurities and organic material, and characterized in that when incorporated as a carbon nanotube network in a metal/carbon nanotube network/metal double diode, a nonlinear current-bias curve is obtained on application of a potential from 0.01 V to 5 V.

In one or more embodiments, the semiconducting carbon nanotubes are a single tube diameter of 0.7 nm and length from 500 nm to 5 μm.

In one or more embodiments, the carbon nanotube density is in a range from 1-1000 nanotubes per μm².

In another aspect, the carbon nanotube film can be used to identify an electronically pure carbon nanotube ink by providing a nanotube ink of interest; preparing a metal electrode/carbon nanotube network/metal electrode double diode, using the carbon nanotube ink of interest; applying a voltage from 0.01 V to 5 V across the metal electrodes of the diode; and generating a current-bias curve, wherein a non-linear curve is an indication of an electronically pure semiconducting carbon nanotube ink.

In one or more embodiments, the nonlinear curve exhibits a power-law behavior.

In one or more embodiments, the electrodes are prepared from metals selected from Au, Cr, Ag, Ti, Cu, Al, Mo, Pd, Pt, Sc, and/or their combination.

In one or more embodiments, the electrodes define a channel length in the range of 5 nm to ≥1 mm and a channel width in the range of 5 nm to ≥1 mm.

In another aspect, a method of making an electronically pure carbon nanotube thin film includes treating a substrate by ozone, and coating with poly(1-Lysine); and applying an electronically pure semiconducting carbon nanotube ink on the on poly(1-Lysine) treated substrate.

In another aspect, an n-type carbon nanotube thin film transistors includes an electronically pure semiconducting carbon nanotube thin film; drain/source metal electrodes in electrical contact with the carbon nanotube thin film; an amorphous silicon nitride dielectrics layer; and a metal gate electrode, characterized in that the N-type carbon nanotube thin film transistor shows amorphous silicon-like transfer characteristics in which the current increases from <10⁻¹² A to at least 10⁻⁷ A when the gate voltage sweeps from 0 V to 20V under 0.1 V drain-source bias.

In one or more embodiments, the n-type carbon nanotube thin film transistor is characterized in that under V_(DS)=0.1 V, the I_(DS) increases from 1 fA at −5V to 0.1 μA at 30 V.

In one or more embodiments, the carbon nanotube density is in a range from 1-1000 nanotubes per μm².

In one or more embodiments, the n-type carbon nanotube thin film transistor is characterized in that under V_(DS)=10 V, I_(DS)>30 μA at 30 V.

In one or more embodiments, the thin film transistor demonstrates negligible threshold shift after 10 V stress for one hour.

In one or more embodiments, the n-type carbon nanotube thin film transistor is characterized in that under V_(DS)=0.1 V, the I_(ON)/I_(OFF) ratio is >10⁸.

In one or more embodiments, the n-type carbon nanotube thin film transistor is characterized in that under V_(DS)=0.1 V, the I_(ON)/I_(OFF) ratio is in the range of 10⁶-10¹².

In one or more embodiments, the gate electrode is a top gate electrode.

In one or more embodiments, the gate electrode is a bottom gate electrode.

In one or more embodiments, the thin film transistor is prepared using an etch-stop process.

In one or more embodiments, the thin film transistor is prepared using a back channel etch process.

In one or more embodiments, the thin film transistor is air stable.

In one or more embodiments, the n-type carbon nanotube thin film transistors have channel lengths ranging from 5 nm to 1 mm or higher.

In one or more embodiments, the n-type carbon nanotube thin film transistors have channel widths ranging from 5 nm to 1 mm.

In one or more embodiments, the carbon nanotubes comprise one or more chiralities selected from (6,1), (5,3), (7,0), (6,2), (5,4), (8,0), (7,2), (8,1), (6,4), (7,3), (6,5), (9,1), (8,3), (10,0), (9,2), (7,5), (8,4), (11,0), (12,2), (7,6), (9,4), (11,1), (10,3), (8,6), (9,5), (12,1), (11,3), (8,7), (13,0), (12,2), (10,5), (11,4), (9,7), (10,6), (13,2), (12,4), (14,1), (9,8), (13,3), (18,4), (20,2), such as semiconducting carbon nanotubes of a single chirality, and can be for example, (6,5) single-walled carbon nanotube.

In one aspect, the semiconducting carbon nanotubes are a single tube dimension.

In another aspect, a p-type carbon nanotube thin film transistors includes electronically pure semiconducting carbon nanotube thin film; drain/source metal electrodes in electrical contact with the carbon nanotube thin film; a hafnium oxide dielectrics layer; a metal gate electrode, characterized in that the p-type carbon nanotube thin film transistors show p-type transfer characteristics, in which under V_(DS)=1 V, the I_(DS) increases from <10⁻¹² A to at least 10⁻⁷ A when the gate voltage sweeps from 0 V to −20V under 1 V drain-source bias

In one or more embodiments, the p-type carbon nanotube thin film transistors is characterized in that the p-type carbon nanotube thin film transistors show p-type transfer characteristics, in which under V_(DS)=1 V, the I_(DS) increases less than 1 fA at 5V to 0.1 μA at −15 V.

In one or more embodiments, the carbon nanotube density is in a range from 1-1000 nanotubes per μm².

In one or more embodiments, the p-type carbon nanotube thin film transistors is characterized in that under V_(DS)=1 V, the I_(ON)/I_(OFF) ratio is >10⁸.

In one or more embodiments, the p-type carbon nanotube thin film transistors is characterized in that under V_(DS)=1 V, the I_(ON)/I_(OFF) ratio is in the range of 10⁶-10¹².

In one or more embodiments, wherein the thin film transistor is air stable.

In one or more embodiments, the p-type carbon nanotube thin film transistors have channel lengths ranging from 35 nm to 1 mm or higher.

In one or more embodiments, the p-type carbon nanotube thin film transistors have channel widths ranging from 5 nm to 1 mm.

The performances of top-gated (6,5) SWCNT thin film transistors (TFTs) are consistent and reproducible, remarkably different from those constructed on optically pure semiconducting SWCNTs. The stable and invariant device performances of (6,5) SWCNT can be ascribed to their uniform diameter and chirality. TFT fabrication processes compatible with conventional amorphous silicon TFT fabrication and performance characteristics of SiN_(x) top-gated NMOS (6,5) SWCNT TFTs demonstrate the feasibility of producing high performance SWCNT TFT backplanes in existing amorphous Si manufacturing lines. (6,5) SWCNT are compatible with high κ dielectrics used in ultrafast electronics, making electronically pure single chirality semiconducting (6,5) SWCNT ink practical for applications in large scale electronics.

These and other aspects and embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated and described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described with reference to the following figures, which are presented for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting.

In the Drawings:

FIG. 1A is a vis-NIR absorption spectrum of an as prepared SWCNT ink (indicated by (6,5) arrows) with enriched (6,5) SWCNT according to one or more embodiments of the invention and a SWCNT solution prepared using a conventional high pressure carbon monoxide process, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 1B is a photo image of 100 mL ink containing electronically pure (6,5) SWCNTs with concentration of 0.6 μg/mL, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 1C is vis-NIR absorption spectrum (solid curve) and NIR fluorescence emission spectrum (dashed curve, excited at 532 nm) of the electronically pure (6,5) SWCNT ink of FIG. 1B, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 1D is a Raman Spectrum of the electronically pure (6,5) SWCNT ink of FIG. 1B, excited at 532 nm laser beam, according to one or more embodiments; the enlarged RBM peak band at 310 cm⁻¹ is shown in the insert box.

FIG. 2A is a photo image of Borofloat 33 glass (Diameter: 100 mm, Thickness: 500 μm) coated with (6,5) SWCNT thin films inside patterned Au/Cr electrodes with channel length of 5 μm and channel width of 100 μm; and FIG. 2B is an enlarged image of FIG. 2A, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2C is an SEM image of (6,5) SWCNT thin film inside the patterned electrodes showing tube length in the range of 1-2 μm and tube density of 4-6 tubes per μm², according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2D is a plot of the measured current versus bias curve showing nonlinear behavior for a Schottky diode prepared using e-SWCNTs, when probed on two electrodes (inserted microimage) on a SemiProbe PS4L M12 probe station with Keithley 4200 SCS, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2E shows a photograph of an altas DCA Pro controlled by laptop used to characterize (6,5) SWCNT thin film on a small piece of silicon wafer (500 nm SiO₂) showing a nonlinear curve; gold electrodes were aerosol jet printed to form a device with channel length of 50 μm and channel width of 10 mm and bonded with two copper wires (diameter: 0.5 mm) for connections with the altas DCA Pro.

FIG. 2F shows a photograph of a metal/SWCNT/metal double diode using (6,5) SWCNT coated quartz (2.5 cm×2.5 cm), on which two copper wires (0.5 mm) were bonded with silver paste to form a metal/(6,5) SWCNT/metal device with channel length of 2 mm, and channel width of 2.5 cm, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3A is a photo image of 1440 unit (6,5) SWCNT TFTs fabricated using photolithography on Borofloat33 Glass (Diameter: 100 mm, Thickness: 500 μm) of a fixed 5 μm channel length and a series of channel widths from 5 μm, 25 μm, 50 μm, 75 μm to 100 μm, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3B is a micro image of one SWCNT TFT with a channel width of 50 μm; and FIG. 3C is a schematic illustration of the SiN_(x) top-gated (6,5) SWCNT TFTs of FIG. 3B viewed from cross section, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3D is a plot showing the typical transfer characteristics of a SiN_(x) top-gated (6,5) SWCNT TFT with a channel width of 50 μm showing fA off-current and >10⁸ I_(ON)/I_(OFF) ratio by sweeping V_(Gate) from −5 V to 20 V (right I_(DS) is linear scale and left I_(DS) is log scale) under V_(DS)=0.1 V, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3E is a plot showing the output characteristics of bending curves by sweeping V_(DS) from 0V to 5V; the curves bend down as V_(Gate) switched from 20 V to 0 V with step of 2V, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3F is a plot showing the transfer characteristics of 20 SiN_(x) top-gated (6,5) SWCNT TFTs with channel width of 50 μm to illustrate the reproducibility and consistency of the devices, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3G is a plot showing the I_(ON)/I_(OFF) ratio variation of different channel widths eliciting consistent I_(ON)/I_(OFF) ratios in a series of channel widths from 5 μm, 25 μm, 50 μm, 75 μm to 100 μm, reflective of an electronically pure semiconductor, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 4A is a plot showing the typical transfer characteristics of a HfO₂ top-gated (6,5) SWCNT TFT with a channel width of 50 μm showing fA-level off-current and >10⁸ I_(ON)/I_(OFF) ratio by sweeping V_(Gate) from 0 V to −15 V (right I_(DS) is log scale and left I_(DS) is linear scale) under V_(DS)=−1 V.

FIG. 4B is a plot showing the output characteristics of a HfO₂ top-gated (6,5) SWCNT TFT with a channel width of 50 μm showing downward bending curves by sweeping V_(DS) from 0V to −8V; the curves moved down when V_(Gate) switched from −14 V to −0 V with a step of 2V.

FIG. 5A is a schematic illustration of a CMOS inverter fabricated by wire bonding PMOS and NMOS (6,5) SWCNT TFTs; and FIG. 5B is a circuit diagram of the CMOS (6,5) SWCNT inverter of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a plot showing the voltage transfer characteristics of a CMOS (6,5) SWCNT inverter showing a sharp inversion (solid curve) at V_(IN)=4 V and corresponding voltage gain as large as 52 (dot curve).

FIG. 6 is a histogram of (6,5)SWCNT lengths extracted from SEM images, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a series of histograms showing the statistical analysis of I_(ON)/I_(OFF) ratio for NMOS (6,5) SWCNT TFTs with different channel widths, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a plot showing the transfer characteristics of NMOS (6,5) SWCNT TFTs with channel width of 50 μm, VDS=10 V, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a plot showing the transfer characteristics of NMOS (6,5) SWCNT TFTs with channel width of 50 μm before and after 10 V bias stress for 1 hour, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a plot showing the measured current versus bias curve showing linear curve for a Schottky diode prepared using Nanointegris IsoNanotubes-S 99% semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes, when probed on two electrodes.

FIG. 11 is a plot of the typical transfer characteristics of SiNx top-gated Nanointegris 99% semiconducting SWCNT (IsoNanotubes-S 99% semiconducting) TFT with channel width of 50 μm by sweeping V_(Gate) from −5 V to 20 V (right I_(DS) is linear scale and left I_(DS) is log scale) under V_(DS)=0.1 V.

FIG. 12 is a plot of the output characteristics of SiNx top-gated (6,5) SWCNT TFT using Nanointegris 99% semiconducting SWCNT (IsoNanotubes-S 99% semiconducting) with channel width of 50 μm showing downward bending curves by sweeping VDS from 0V to 5V.

FIG. 13A-13D show a series of fabrication steps in the manufacture of bottom-gated e-SWCNT TFTs, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 14 is cross-sectional view of an e-SWCNT TFT and a summary of the Etch-Stop process flow used in its manufacture, according to one or more embodiments; demonstrating the compatibility of the e-SWCNT TFT fabrication process in conventional fabrication process flow designs.

FIG. 15 is cross-sectional view of an e-SWCNT TFT and a summary of the Back-Channel Etch (BCE) process flow used in its manufacture, demonstrating the compatibility of the e-SWCNT TFT in conventional fabrication process flow designs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally, carbon nanotubes can be either metallic or semiconducting along the tubular axis. For a given (n,m) nanotube, if n=m, the nanotube is metallic; if n-m is a multiple of 3, then the nanotube is semiconducting with a very small band gap, otherwise the nanotube is a moderate semiconductor. However, the presence of metallic CNTs in a semiconducting CNT ink degrades electronic performance. Moreover, currently there exists no reliable screening method to assess the electronic purity of a CNT ink. Conventional spectroscopic methods such as UV-vis spectroscopy, IR and Raman are not sufficiently sensitive to detect small amounts of metal impurities or the presence of metallic CNTs.

Electronically pure semiconducting carbon nanotubes (“e-CNTs”) and e-CNT inks are provided. The carbon nanotubes include single-walled carbon nanotubes.

In one or more embodiments, an electronically pure carbon nanotube ink includes a population of single-walled semiconducting carbon nanotubes suspended in a liquid, the ink being essentially free of metallic impurities and characterized in that, when incorporated as a carbon nanotube network in a metal/carbon nanotube network/metal double diode, a nonlinear current-bias curve is obtained on application of a potential from 0.01 V to 5 V.

As used herein “electronically pure semiconducting carbon nanotubes” inks contain essentially only semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes and are essentially free of metallic impurities (typically due to residual catalyst used in the synthesis of the CNTs), including metallic carbon nanotubes. “Free of metallic carbon nanotubes” refers to less than 0.01 wt % metallic CNT content. “Essentially free of metallic impurities” refers to both metallic carbon nanotubes and metallic nanoparticles from the catalysts. The electronically pure semiconducting carbon nanotubes are considered free of metallic impurities when the dry SWCNTs contain less than 0.1 wt %, or even less than 0.05 wt % or less than or equal to 0.01 wt % metallic impurity. The amount of metallic impurities can be in a range bounded by any value described hereinabove. The electronically pure semiconducting carbon nanotubes inks described herein may be alternatively referred to as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT); however, the e-CNT inks are considered to be single-walled to provide superior electrical and electronic properties. Electronically pure carbon nanotube inks are also characterized in that, when incorporated as a carbon nanotube network in a metal/carbon nanotube network/metal double diode, a nonlinear current-bias curve is obtained on application of a potential sweep from 0.01 V to 5 V.

In one or more embodiments, 99.9% or more of the carbon nanotubes are semiconducting.

In one or more embodiments, 99.99% or more of the carbon nanotubes are semiconducting.

In one or more embodiments, the semiconducting carbon nanotubes include one or more of semiconducting carbon or single-walled carbon nanotubes having a chirality associated with semiconducting properties. Exemplary semiconducting carbon nanotubes include semiconducting carbon nanotubes having a chirality of (6,1), (5,3), (7,0), (6,2), (5,4), (8,0), (7,2), (8,1), (6,4), (7,3), (6,5), (9,1), (8,3), (10,0), (9,2), (7,5), (8,4), (11,0), (12,2), (7,6), (9,4), (11,1), (10,3), (8,6), (9,5), (12,1), (11,3), (8,7), (13,0), (12,2), (10,5), (11,4), (9,7), (10,6), (13,2), (12,4), (14,1), (9,8), (13,3), (18,4), (20,2) and combinations thereof. In one or embodiments, the electronically pure semiconducting carbon nanotubes are of a single chirality. In a particular embodiment, the electronically pure semiconducting carbon nanotubes are (6,5)-SWCNTs.

In one or more embodiments, the e-CNTs and e-SWCNTs are provided in a fluid as a suspension or dispersion, also referred to as an “ink.” In one or more embodiments, the e-CNTs and/or e-SWCNTs are present in a concentration in the range of 0.001 μg/mL to 1 mg/mL dispersed in a solvent such as de-ionized water. The dispersion can also include a surfactant, such as sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium dodecyl benzene sulfate, sodium cholate, sodium deoxycholate and/or the like. The suspension is suitable for use as an ink for printing or depositing e-CNTs and e-SWCNTs as thin films and patterned films. For example, the e-CNTs and e-SWCNTs can be deposited as continuous thin films, and patterning can be introduced post-deposition, such as by etching. Patterned films can also be obtained by direct printing.

e-CNT inks can optionally possess other characteristics and properties. For example, an e-CNT ink can have uniform CNT diameters and/or narrow distribution of CNT lengths. In one or more embodiments, e-CNT inks include CNTs having lengths of between 0.5-2.0 microns. In one or more embodiments, CNTs in the e-CNT ink are all or substantially all the same chirality with uniform diameter. CNT networks and thin films obtained from deposition or printing of the e-CNT inks also have the above noted properties.

In some embodiments, the e-SWCNT tube diameters can be in the range of 0.5 nm to 3 nm. In some embodiments, the e-SWCNTs have a uniform tube diameter of about 0.7 nm as determined from SWCNT to SWCNT. SWCNT networks and thin films obtained from deposition or printing of the e-SWCNT inks also have the above noted properties.

In one or more embodiments, the e-SWCNTs are substantially a single chirality. In one or more embodiments, the e-SWCNTs are substantially only (6,5)SWCNTs. In one or more embodiments, greater than 90%, or greater than 95% or greater than 96%, or greater than 97% or greater than 98%, or greater than 99% or up to 99.9 or up to 99.99% of the SWCNTs are of the same chirality. Chiral purity bounded by any of the values provided above is also contemplated. CNT networks and thin films obtained from deposition or printing of the e-CNT inks also have the above noted properties.

The single chirality and uniform diameter of eSWCNTs can mitigate the variation of carbon nanotube electric properties, and chemical and bio interfaces, rendering promising carbon nanotubes for practical applications in electronics and bio-sensing.

Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) networks deposited from, e.g., a (6,5) single chirality SWCNT aqueous solution (ink) can be characterized as electronically pure semiconductors based on their performance in a metal/semiconductor Schottky contacts. In one or more embodiments, carbon nanotubes are electronically pure semiconducting carbon nanotubes when they show a non-linear current-bias (I-V) curve when a potential sweep, e.g., a potential sweep of 0.01 V to 5 V, is applied to a metal/carbon nanotube network/metal double diode prepared from the carbon nanotubes of interest. The current-bias curve can be obtained using either complex instruments or portable devices.

In one or more embodiments, a test is provided for determining whether a SWCNT ink is electronically pure. The test includes casting a test SWCNT solution on a borosilicate glass substrate (such as Borofloat 33 glass available from Schott, or substrate of comparable quality) that has been treated with 0.1% poly(L-lysine) aqueous solution to form a uniform thin layer/film of SWCNTs, and evaporating a Cr (10 nm)/Au (40 nm) bimetal layer onto the SWCNT film to pattern electrodes with channel lengths and widths of 5 μm and 100 μm, respectively. While the SWCNT density is not expected to affect the nonlinearity of the Schottky diode, it may effect current density, with higher SWCNT density providing higher current density. The (6,5) SWCNT density in this particular embodiment is about 5-6 nanotubes per μm², however, the actual SWCNT density can vary. In one or more embodiments, the CNT density is in the range of 1-1000 nanotubes per cm² and can be for example, 1-10 nanotubes per cm² or, 10-50 nanotubes per cm² or, 50-100 nanotubes per cm² or 100-200 nanotubes per cm² or 200-400 nanotubes per cm² or 400-600 nanotubes per cm² or 600-800 nanotubes per cm² or 800-100 nanotubes per cm² or any range bounded by any value noted hereinabove. The metal/SWCNT/metal double diode is characterized with a semiconductor characterization system such as Keithley 4200 SCS Parameter Analyzer (or any other device capable of applying a voltage sweep and monitoring current output) by applying a potential sweep of 0.01V to 5.0 V across the two electrodes in air at room temperature. Nonlinearity at room temperature indicates that the test SWCNT thin film are electronically pure. In certain embodiments, the nonlinear curve exhibits a power-law behavior.

In certain embodiments, nonlinearity is established by comparison to a “goodness of fit” test for a linear curve. Measures of goodness of fit typically summarize the discrepancy between observed values and the values expected under the model in question. If the discrepancy is within an acceptable range, than the curve can be considered linear and the material and device do not have the characteristics of the electronically pure carbon nanotube ink described herein. For example, a linear regression model can be used to identify the relationship between a current and voltage when all the other variables in the model are “held fixed”. If the correlation coefficient is greater than a stated value, for example greater than 0.90, or 0.91, or 0.92, or 0.93, or 0.94, greater 0.95, or greater than 0.96, or 0.97, or 0.98 or 0.99, than the fit of the curve can be considered linear. A curve is considered non-linear when the correlation coefficient in a linear regression analysis is less than 0.80, or less than 0.90.

Electronically pure semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (e-SWCNTs) demonstrate many desirable properties, making them ideal for use in a variety of electronic applications. In addition to use in Schottky diodes, e-SWCNTs can be incorporated into PMOS (p-type metal-oxide-semiconductor) and NMOS (n-type metal-oxide-semiconductor) transistor devices and can be stacked to form CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) inverters that demonstrate performance characteristics comparable to amorphous Si devices. Due to the electronic purity of the e-CNTs incorporated into these devices, performances exceed those seen to date for traditional SWCNT TFTs.

Both large scale PMOS and NMOS devices can be fabricated using SWCNT thin films showing fA-level off current, e.g., 10⁻¹⁵-10⁻¹² A, and I_(ON)/I_(OFF) ratio in the range of 10⁶-10¹² and optionally I_(ON)/I_(OFF) ratio>10⁸. CMOS inverters fabricated by wire bonding PMOS and NMOS SWCNT TFTs together can have large voltage gains, and the voltage gain can be greater than 40, or greater than 45 or greater than 50, and up to 200. In one embodiment, a CMOS inverter provided voltage gains as large as 52.

e-SWCNTs can be obtained using a starting material CNT solution that is enriched in carbon nanotubes having the desired chirality, e.g., (6,5) SWCNTs, and that has been prepared from a process that uses low catalyst loads, e.g., less than 3 wt %, followed by careful purification resulting in a SWCNT suspension. e-SWCNTs are purified using ultracentrifugation and/or precipitation of the SWCNT suspension to remove CNT bundles and metal nanoparticle catalysts, followed by two or more separations by column chromatography.

Electronically pure carbon nanotubes can be extracted from a mixture of as-grown carbon nanotubes, including carbon nanotubes obtained using at least one of: arc-discharged growth, chemical vapor deposition, laser-ablation, and high pressure CO conversion, using density gradient ultracentrifugation, gel chromatography, size-exclusion, HPLC, aqueous two phase partition, and/or organic materials wrapping.

Suitable raw materials for the production of e-CNTs include SWCNTs obtained using a high pressure carbon monoxide (HiPCO) process. The HiPCO process was developed at Rice University to synthesize SWCNTs in a gas-phase reaction of an iron catalyst such as iron carbonyl with high-pressure carbon monoxide gas. The iron catalyst is used to produce iron nanoparticles that provide a nucleation surface for the transformation of carbon monoxide into carbon during the growth of the nanotubes. The process is run at elevated pressures, e.g., 10-300 atm (10-300 bar), and elevated temperatures, e.g., 900-1100° C., with CO and iron catalyst vapors being continuously fed into the reactor.

According to one or more embodiments, the HiPCO process is operated using feed conditions that favor the production of a single chirality nanotube (e.g., a predetermined/selected chirality). In one or more embodiments, the HiPCO process is modified to enrich the as-grown carbon nanotubes in the CNT of desired chirality. In one embodiment, the HiPCO process is modified to enrich the as-grown carbon nanotubes in (6,5) SWCNTs.

In particular, the HiPCO process can be performed using feed conditions that favor the production of (6,5) SWCNTs. In one exemplary process, conditions include 10 atm (10 bar) and 1100° C. In one or more embodiments, the catalyst is selected to promote the production of a selected chirality, and in particular to promote the production of (6,5) chiral SWCNT. Exemplary catalysts include pentacarbonyliron, pentacarbonylcobalt, pentacarbonylnickel, pentacarbonymolybdenum, and pentacarbonylzirconium. Applicants have surprisingly found that the HiPCO process described herein can be run with low catalyst loads, e.g., <3 wt. The use of low catalyst loads reduces the level of metal impurities that need to be removed in subsequent purification processes and result in a lower metal content in the CNT ink.

FIG. 1A shows the spectra of as-made HiPCO CNT showing the difference from other HiPCO CNTs. FIG. 1A is a plot of vis (visible)-NIR (near infrared) absorption of a sample prepared according to a process in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the plot showing SWCNT solution enhanced in (6,5) SWCNTs (shown by arrow), as compared to a conventionally HiPCO processed material. The curve 100 shows increased absorbance in the 980-990 nm and 1100-1200 nm regions, which is indicative of an increase yield of (6,5) SWCNT as compared to a conventionally prepared SWCNT, such as that commercially available from Nanointegris shown as curve 110. The increased intensity of curve 100 between 980-1220 nm demonstrate that the e-CNT ink according to one or more embodiments of the invention is enriched in semiconducting SWCNTs by 2-fold as compared to the conventional CNT solution. Nanointegris 99% CNT inks contain many different species with different diameters and chiralities. In comparison, the electronically pure SWCNT inks only contain one diameter and one chirality.

The as-prepared SWCNTs are then purified to obtain the e-SWCNT ink. SWCNT raw powder enriched in (6,5) SWCNTs was prepared as described above using a Rice University Mark III high pressure carbon monoxide reactor (Batch number 190.1). The SWCNT raw powder was dispersed in 2% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) aqueous solution (deionized water) using a tip sonicator with 20 Watts of power for 8 hours. After ultracentrifuge or precipitation to remove carbon nanotube bundles and metal nanoparticle catalyst impurities, the decanted supernatant solution was transferred to a Saphacryl S-200 gel column for carbon nanotube separation. The SWCNTs trapped in the gel were eluted out with 2% SDS solution. After 4-6 cycles of gel chromatography, the pure purple solution was collected in a concentration of 6 μg/mL. An image of the purified solution is shown in FIG. 1B, and the purity of the solution was assessed initially using vis (visible)-NIR (near infrared) absorption, NIR fluorescence emission spectra and Raman spectroscopy.

FIG. 1C characterizes the final product with sole diameter of 0.7 nm and one chirality of (6,5). The Vis (visible)-NIR (near infrared) absorption and NIR fluorescence emission spectra of the collected purple solution were recorded on an NS3 Applied Nano Spectralyzer at ambient temperature, and are reported. In the absorption spectrum, two major absorbance peaks at 983 nm (extinction coefficient:4400 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹) and 570 nm with FWHM (Full Width at Half Maximum) of 30.5 nm and 30 nm, respectively, are assigned to the S₁₁ and S₂₂ transition between the van Hove Singularities of (6,5) chirality SWCNT. A broad band between 800 nm and 880 nm is considered to be the sideband of the S₁₁ transition. When the solution was excited with a 532 nm laser light source, the fluorescence emission was detected as a 986 nm peak with a FWHM of 26.5 nm and a broad band between 1060 nm and 1160 nm, as illustrated by the dashed curve in FIG. 1C. The negligible Stokes shift (3 nm) and narrow FWHM indicate the high purity of (6,5) SWCNT. The solution was further characterized with Raman spectroscopy on an NS3 Applied Nano Spectralyzer, and the corresponding Raman spectrum is shown in FIG. 1D. When the solution was excited with a 532 nm laser beam, the Raman scattering was detected as a strong tangential G band (G from Graphite) at 1587 cm⁻¹ (ωG⁺, 15 cm⁻¹FWHM) and 1525 cm⁻¹ (ωG⁻3 cm⁻¹FWHM), a disorder induced D band in the range of 1200-1325 cm⁻¹, a second order overtone G′ at 2617 cm⁻¹, and a weak RBM (Radial Breathing Model) band at 310 cm⁻¹ (d₁=α/ω_(RBM)=248 cm⁻¹ nm/310 cm⁻¹=0.8 nm). These Raman Scattering peaks correspond to sp² carbon-carbon stretching and radial expansion-contraction of (6,5) SWCNT, further corroborating the results of Vis-NIR absorption and NIR fluorescence emission. The peak ratio of D/G is estimated to be 0.03, reflective of less defective (6,5) SWCNT. The D/G ratio provide information about the quality of CNT and the amount of defect sites. The general D/G ratio is greater than 0.1, and the electronically pure SWCNTs exhibit significantly less defects.

The utility of the e-SWCNTs described herein is further demonstrated by the results of incorporation of the nanotubes into electrical and electronic devices.

In one or more embodiments, e-SWCNTs are incorporated into a diode, such as a Schottky contact, including metal electrodes evaporated on an electronically pure semiconducting CNTs or SWCNTs thin film network, to provide a diode demonstrating non-linear current-bias (I-V) curves. In one example, the purple e-SWCNT solution was cast on 0.1% poly(L-lysine) aqueous solution treated Borofloat 33 glass (Diameter: 100 mm, Thickness: 500 μm) to form a uniform thin layer/film of (6,5) SWCNTs with high transparency. The resulting thin film is shown in FIG. 2A. On top of the (6,5) SWCNT thin film, Cr (10 nm)/Au (40 nm) bimetals were evaporated to pattern electrodes with channel lengths and widths of 5 μm and 100 μm, respectively. The electrodes are shown in the microphotograph in FIG. 2B. The (6,5) SWCNT thin film between two electrodes was imaged with an SEM (scanning electron microscope), and the imaging revealed a layer of well-dispersed nanotubes in the form of a network, as illustrated in FIG. 2C. The (6,5) SWCNT density is about 5-6 nanotubes per μm². The average length of the (6,5) SWCNTs is about 1-2 μm, as is illustrated in the histogram of FIG. 6 showing the distribution of CNT lengths observed in by SEM. The metal/(6,5) SWCNT/metal double diodes were characterized with a Keithley 4200 SCS (Semiconductor Characterization System) (see the probes visible in the inset to FIG. 2D) in air at room temperature. A typical current-bias curve is displayed in FIG. 2D and has a pronounced gap-like nonlinearity. The curve seems to exhibit a power-law behavior, that is current ∝ (bias)^(α), α>1. The nonlinearity at room temperature indicates that (6,5) SWCNT thin film are semiconducting with essentially no metallic impurities. The devices are semiconducting SWCNT networks connected to two metal contacts, that is, two Schottky-type diodes connected back to back.

The nonlinear current-bias curve can be explored for the examination of purity of semiconducting SWCNTs electronically in an elegant and convenient way. In this example, the purple e-SWCNT solution was cast on a small piece of a 0.1% poly(L-lysine) aqueous solution treated silicon wafer (1 cm×3 cm, 500 nm SiO₂) to deposit a (6,5) SWCNT thin film. On the top of the (6,5) SWCNT thin film, two 10 mm long gold electrodes separated by 50 μm were aerosol jet printed using a suspension of 4 nm gold nanoparticles in xylene (40 weight %), followed by curing at 200° C. The two electrodes were contacted with two copper wires (diameter: 0.5 mm) using silver paste and soldered with metal Tin (the insert to FIG. 2E). The simple metal/(6,5) SWCNT/metal chip was connected to an Atlas DCA Pro from Peak Instrument controlled with a laptop. As shown in FIG. 2E, the graph displays nonlinear curves. The purple solution was also cast on a 2.5 cm×2.5 cm quartz pretreated with 0.1% poly(L-lysine) aqueous solution to obtain a (6,5) SWCNT thin film. Silver paste was cast on the top of the (6,5) SWCNT thin film to form two 2.5 cm long silver electrodes separated in 2 mm (FIG. 2F). A similar nonlinear curve was observed. Thus, performance was substantially not affected by the choice of metal electrodes. The generality of nonlinearity with different metals in various substrates further demonstrated that these (6,5) SWCNT thin films deposited from purple solution are electronically pure semiconductors.

The non-linearity of the current-bias curve displayed for diode devices using the e-SWCNTs of the current invention are compared to the typically linear current-bias curve displayed for diode devices using other semiconducting SWCNTs. FIG. 10 is a plot of the measured current versus bias curve for a Schottky diode prepared using Nanointegris Isonanotubes-S 99% semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes. When probed on two electrodes over a potential sweep of 0 V to 5 V, the current-bias response is linear. Thus, despite representation by the manufacture of low metal content and 99% semiconducting SWCNT contents (see, e.g. Nanointegris Carbon Nanotube Material Data Sheet), devices prepared using such SWCNTs do not demonstrate pure semiconducting behavior.

In one or more embodiments, the e-SWCNTs can be incorporated into thin film transistors having channel widths ranging from 1 nm to 200 nm, or 50 nm and higher. In one or more embodiments, top-gated NMOS and PMOS devices incorporating electronically pure semiconducting CNTs or SWCNTs can be prepared. The NMOS and PMOS devices possess extremely low off currents, e.g., on the order of fA, and a high I_(ON)/I_(OFF) ratio, e.g., >10⁸ I_(ON)/I_(OFF) ratio. In certain embodiments, off currents can be in the range of 10⁻¹⁵-10⁻¹² A and I_(ON)/I_(OFF) ratios can be in the range of 10⁶-10¹².

In one or more embodiments, a top-gated SiN_(x) thin film transistor (TFT) is provided.

Generally, an electronically pure carbon nanotube thin film for use in preparing thin film transistors can be prepared by applying the e-CNT ink onto a suitably treated substrate. For example, substrates can be treated in an ozone oven, e.g., for 15 minutes, followed by treatment with a poly(1-Lysine) solution, e.g., with 0.1% poly(1-Lysine). After drying, the electronically pure carbon nanotube ink can be directly coated on poly(1-Lysine) treated substrates using conventional methods such as spraying, dipping, spin coating, and/or the like. Alternatively, the transparent electronically pure semiconducting single chirality (6,5) SWCNT thin film can be deposited with solution processes suitable for roll-to-roll fabrication on transparent plastics like polyethylene film. The e-CNT thin film can be patterned using photolithography and etched by oxygen plasma. The (6,5) SWCNT thin film between two electrodes was imaged with an SEM, and was shown to exhibit a layer comprising a well-dispersed nanotube network. The (6,5) SWCNT density was about 5-6 nanotubes per μm², and the average length of the (6,5) SWCNTs was around 1-2 μm.

In preparing an n-type thin film transistor, source/drain metal electrodes can be deposited using conventional methods such as sputter deposition, evaporation, or ebeam. The drain/source metal electrodes can be patterned using photolithography and etched by dry-etch, wet-etch, or lift-off.

Silicon nitride has widely been used as the dielectric in amorphous silicon thin film transistors. In preparing an n-type thin film transistor, an amorphous silicon nitride film (SiN_(x)) can be deposited with plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) at over a range of temperatures and feeding ratios, or sputtering. The energy levels of defect states in amorphous silicon nitride are used to identify the nature of trap states responsible for charge trapping. The interface provides a channel for tailoring the free charge and trapped charge by gate potential. Both the interface and bulk properties of SiNx dielectrics depend on the deposition process and conditions involved: e.g., chemical vapor deposition, plasma deposition, sputtering deposition at different temperatures, and NH₃/SiH₄ ratios. For example, the interface states between carbon nanotube and silicon nitride dielectrics can depend on the silicon nitride deposition method used, the feeding ratio and the temperature.

In one embodiment, electronically pure, single-chirality (6,5) single-walled carbon nanotube thin film transistors were fabricated with top-gated SiNx deposited by sputtering at a substrate temperature of 350° C. with a feeding ratio of 33.5 sccmNH₃/40 sccm SiH₄. In one embodiment, SiNx is deposited using PECVD, at a temperature of 225° C. and a feeding ratio of NH₃/SiH₄ that was varied from 3 sccm/5.3 sccm, to 10 sccm/5.3 sccm, to 15 sccm/5.3 sccm. Top-gated (6,5) SWCNT TFTs showed good performance for SiNx deposited at low temperature (225° C.) with 10 sccm NH₃/5.3 sccm SiH₄ feeding ratio. Without wishing to be bound by theory, these obtained results were interpreted as the effect of the interface states between (6,5) SWCNT and SiNx dielectrics that provide the channel for the applied gate potential to modulate the ratio of free electrons to trapped electrons by the defect sites in bulk SiNx dielectrics. In certain embodiments, an amorphous silicon nitride film can be deposited with plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition at a temperature lower than 225° C., and a feed ratio of NH₃/SiH₄ greater than 1.

Gate metal electrodes can be deposited using conventional methods including sputtering, evaporation, and ebeam deposition. Gate metal electrodes can be patterned using photolithography and etched by dry-etch, wet-etch, or lift-off.

In one example, Borofloat33 Glass was coated with a thin layer/film of (6,5) SWCNTs, and about 1440 (row: 40, column: 35) unit thin film transistors (TFTs) of a fixed 5 μm channel length and a series of channel widths from 5 μm, 25 μm, 50 μm (3 rows), 75 μm to 100 μm (2 rows) were fabricated using photolithography. The finished e-SWCNT/electrode system is shown in FIG. 3A. Next, Cr (10 nm)/Au (40 nm) bimetals were evaporated to pattern drain/source electrodes. The (6,5) SWCNT thin film was patterned by O² plasma etching. Over the patterned transistors, a layer of 170 nm SiNx was deposited using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). Another Cr (10 nm)/Au (90 nm) layer was evaporated to pattern gate electrodes on the SiNx layer. The SiNx layer over the drain/source test pads were opened using dry etching. The formed (6,5) SWCNT TFT was photographed as shown in FIG. 3B. The cross section diagram is presented in FIG. 3C. These (6,5) SWCNT TFTs were characterized with a Keithley 4200 SCS under a Semiprobe PS4L M12 probe station in air at room temperature. The typical transfer characteristics of a (6,5) SWCNT TFT with channel width of 50 μm is presented in FIG. 3D. Under V_(DS)=0.1 V, the I_(Ds) increased from 1.8 fA to 0.22 μA when V_(Gate) swept from −5 V to 20 V. It is worth noting that the fA off-current of (6,5) SWCNT networks is similar to those of amorphous silicon TFTs and comparable to those of single semiconducting SWCNT devices. The device is an NMOS with I_(ON)/I_(OFF) greater than 10⁸. Its threshold voltage (V_(T)) is estimated to be 1.5 V and its subthreshold swing (ss) is estimated to be 592 mV/dec. The device was stressed with V_(DS)=10 V at room temperature for one hour, however, there was negligible V_(T) shift, as evidenced in the plot shown in FIG. 8. When V_(DS)=10V was applied, the on current reached 30 μA, which can be used to drive organic light emitting diodes (see FIG. 9). Their output characteristic is measured by sweeping V_(DS) from 0 V to 5 V, as is shown in FIG. 3E. The downward bending I_(DS)-V_(DS) curve moved down when V_(Gate) decreased from 20 V to 0 V with steps of 2V. The saturated I_(DS) was observed when V_(Gate) was under 10 V. The electron mobility (μe) was estimated to be 0.5 cm²/Vs when capacitance per unit of SiNx was 24 nF/cm². The transfer characteristics of over 20 devices with 50 μm channel width were plotted in FIG. 3F showing repeatability and consistency among devices. Their threshold voltage shifts are within ±0.1 V. These performances resemble those of amorphous silicon TFTs.

The excellent uniformity demonstrates the reproducibility and consistency of the (6,5) SWCNT TFTs described herein, as well as the great advantage of single chirality SWCNTs. About 98% of 1440 unit devices were analyzed statistically, as shown in Table 1 and FIG. 7. The remaining 2% of the 1440 unit devices were not considered due to their defects. Their I_(ON)/I_(OFF) ratio was plotted against W_(C)/L_(C), as shown in FIG. 3G, showing repeatability and consistency among devices. The overall I_(ON)/I_(OFF) is between 10⁶ and 10⁷ with less than 10% error bar. Significantly, the I_(ON)/I_(OFF) ratio does not vary with the channel width (or the amount of (6,5) SWCNT), further illustrating the electronically pure semiconducting nature of the (6,5) SWCNTs. The variation of I_(ON)/I_(OFF) ratio is within ±10%.

TABLE 1 Average threshold voltages of SiNx top-gated (6, 5) SWCNT TFTs with different channel widths. Channel (width:length) 5:5 25:5 50:5 75:5 100:5 Average V_(th) 0.95 0.70 0.76 0.61 0.59 # of valid data 109 127 333 82 144

PMOS devices can be prepared using fabrication methods similar to those described above for NMOS devices. In preparing a p-type thin film transistor, hafnium oxide films can be used as the dielectric layer and can be deposited with atomic layer deposition, evaporation (e.g., electron beam evaporation), sputtering, and/or the like. In one embodiment, hafnium oxide films can be deposited using atomic layer deposition at temperatures lower than 225° C.

PMOS TFTs with (6,5) SWCNT thin films also were fabricated, by atomic layer deposition of 30 nm HfO₂ dielectrics on Borofloat33 Glass with Pd as electrodes. The device dimensions are same as those of NMOS TFTs. The typical transfer characteristics of the (6,5) SWCNT PMOS TFT with a channel width of 50 μm is shown in FIG. 4A. The current (I_(Ds)) of the PMOS device increased from <10 fA to 0.24 μA when the V_(Gate) was swept from 1 V to −15 V. The fA off current and I_(ON)/I_(OFF)>10⁸ represented the best performance of the p-type SWCNT TFTs, and were superior even to low-temperature polycrystalline silicon TFTs. The output characteristics of the (6,5) SWCNT PMOS TFT is exhibited in FIG. 4B with swept V_(DS) from 0 V to −8 V. The downward bending curves moved down when V_(Gate) went down from −14 V to 0V. The saturated on-current was observed under V_(Gate)<8V. It is worthy to note that there is a fundamental problem for amorphous silicon, low-temperature polycrystalline silicone and metal oxides to be modulated by high-κ dielectrics due to carrier scattering induced degradation of electrical properties. Devices employing the e-CNTs described herein can be used to produced superior-performing alternative devices for use with high-κ dielectric materials.

The low off-current and high I_(ON)/I_(OFF) ratio of SWCNT thin film transistor using the e-SWCNTs of the current invention are compared to the transfer characteristics of thin film transistor devices using other conventional semiconducting SWCNTs. FIG. 11 is a plot of the typical transfer characteristics of SiNx top-gated Nanointegris 99% semiconducting SWCNT (IsoNanotubes-S 99% semiconducting) TFT with channel width of 50 μm by sweeping V_(Gate) from −5 V to 20 V (right I_(DS) is linear scale and left I_(DS) is log scale) under V_(DS)=0.1 V. Similarly, output (B, D, F) characteristics of top-gated (6,5) SWCNT TFTs with SiNx dielectrics were determined. FIG. 12 shows the output characteristics of SiNx top-gated (6,5) SWCNT TFT using Nanointegris 99% semiconducting SWCNT (IsoNanotubes-S 99% semiconducting) with channel width of 50 μm and showing downward bending curves by sweeping VDS from 0V to 5V. The current e-SWCNTs have significantly better transfer characteristics than top-gated (6,5) SWCNT TFTs with SiNx dielectrics using the comparative ‘pure’ semiconductor carbon nanotubes, which showed only a 60 nA off-current, an I_(ON)/I_(OFF) ratio of about 100, and an electron mobility of 70.77 cm²/(V s).

In one or more embodiments, a test is provided for assessing whether single-walled carbon nanotube thin film transistors fabricated with top-gated SiNx demonstrate properties of amorphous silicon TFTs. A top-gated SiNx transistor is prepared by using a test SWCNT ink as the semiconductor layer. By way of example, a single-walled carbon nanotube thin film transistor can be fabricated using the method set out in the example section below. These devices are characterized using a semiconductor characterization system, such a Keithley 4200 SCS on SemiProbe PS4L M12 probe station (or other comparable system). The transfer characteristics of devices are obtained by sweeping the gate voltage V_(G) at a rate of −0.5 V/s. The source-to-drain voltages are kept constant at settled voltage. The output characteristics of the devices then are acquired by sweeping the source-to-drain voltage from 0 to 5 V at a rate of −0.1 V/s. The gate voltage was kept constant from 20 V to −4 V with interval of 2 V. The off currents and I_(ON)/I_(OFF) ratio are determined from the output. Test devices demonstrating low off currents, e.g., on the order of fA, and a high I_(ON)/I_(OFF) ratio, e.g., >10⁸I_(ON)/I_(OFF) ratio, are deemed to be top-gated single-walled carbon nanotube thin film transistors, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. Off currents can be in the range of 10⁻¹⁵-10⁻¹² A and I_(ON)/I_(OFF) ratios can be in the range of 10⁶-10¹².

With the performance characteristics of SiNx modulated (6,5) SWCNT TFTs similar to amorphous silicon TFTs, the operation principal of amorphous silicon TFTs can be readily applied to (6,5) SWCNT TFTs. Before the channel was turned on, the large Schottky contact completely shut down the channel same as metal/(6,5) SWCNT/metal at a low voltage bias. After the channel was turned on but still under V_(T), the electron was drawn to form a depletion layer between (6,5) SWCNT and dielectrics in proportion to the increase in V_(G). But the current increased exponentially (I_(DS)∝(expr(vs/K_(b)it), q is the charge of an electron, kB is Boltzmann constant, T is temperature), as the band bending increased. After the depletion region was completed where V_(T) was defined (V_(S)>V_(T)), metal/(6,5) SWCNT became an Osmic contact and the current linearly increased with applied gate voltage (I_(DS)=k_(n′)W/L(VGS-V_(T)-V_(DS)/2)V_(D)S, k_(n′) is constant with unit A/V², W is channel width, L is channel length). This is due to the further drawn electrons occupying the conductive band to form a conductive channel by increasing V_(GS). This basic operation works similarly for HfO₂ modulated PMOS (6,5) SWCNT TFTs. Differently, negative V_(GS) forced holes to enter into the depletion region. After the depletion region was completed (V_(GS)>V_(T)), the excess holes occupied the valence band to form a conductive channel.

In one or more embodiments, a CMOS can be provided. The PMOS wafer was mounted on NMOS wafer, wire bonding was used to connect the gate electrode and one drain/source electrode of the PMOS (6,5) SWCNT TFT to those of the NMOS (6,5) SWCNT TFT, as shown in FIG. 5A. The completed CMOS circuit was characterized using a 4200 SCS under a Semiprobe PS4L M12 probe station in air at room temperature. As shown in the inverter diagram in FIG. 5B, a voltage supplier (V_(DD)=8V) was applied to the drain electrode of PMOS (6,5) SWCNT TFT and the source electrode of NMOS (6,5) SWCNT TFT was connected to the ground. When input voltage (V_(IN)) swept from 0 V to 8 V with an interval of 0.05 V, the measured output voltage remained high at 7.9 V before the sharp drop at 4V input voltage. After 4V input voltage, the output voltage remained a very low voltage at 0.1 V (FIG. 5C). By differentiating the V_(OUT)-V_(IN) curve, a voltage gain as large as 52 was obtained for (6,5) SWCNT CMOS inverter (dashed dot curve in FIG. 5C). This high voltage gain for carbon nanotube inverters is due to the high performance of the devices (fA off-current and >10⁸ I_(ON)/I_(OFF) ratio). By changing the photomask design used, PMOS and NMOS (6,5) SWCNT TFTs can be fabricated on a common substrate, arranged in either a coplanar (2D) configuration, or vertically overlapping together (3D). The interconnections between PMOS and NMOS (6,5) SWCNT TFTs can be achieved with via drilling to form logic circuits for macroelectronics applications with increasing function per area and less power dissipation.

The performance of both PMOS and NMOS (6,5) SWCNT TFTs can be further improved with increasing on-current by shortening channel length or widening channel width or increasing the density of SWCNT without the sacrifice of extremely low off current. From SEM images of current devices, the thickness of (6,5) SWCNT film is under 1 nm. The larger on current is accomplishable for TFTs with thicker (6,5) SWCNT film>10 nm. For electronically pure semiconducting SWCNT, the off current will not vary with the amount of SWCNT such as channel width or thickness. Thus, both mobilities and I_(ON)/I_(OFF) ratios will be further improved with thick (6,5) SWCNT films. Statistically, the thick layer of (6,5) SWCNT film could eliminate device variation, especially with single chirality (6,5) SWCNT of uniform electrical properties. These confer (6,5) SWCNTs as the replacement of amorphous silicon (>100 nm), low temperature polycrystalline silicon (50 nm), and metal oxides (50 nm) for TFT backplanes to meet the needs for emerging display commercial markets such as transparent, flexible and wearable displays. Further, with SWCNT alignment technologies and high-κ dielectrics, extremely high on-current (6,5) SWCNT TFT can be achieved with narrow channel length for high speed and low power dissipation electronics. Electronically pure (6,5) SWCNTs can thus be practical for implementation into large-scale electronic applications.

Thin film e-SWCNT TFT devices in accordance with the present invention may have low operating voltages as low as about 5 V or less. TFTs may have low subthreshold slopes as low as about 600 mV/decade or less. e-SWCNT TFT devices TFT devices of the present invention provide an excellent balance of high on-state currents, low operating voltage, and high on/off ratios. In one embodiment, the TFT device operates at voltages of about 5 V or less with on/off ratios of about 10⁶ or greater. e-SWCNT TFT solution are superior semiconductor materials for the fabrication of semiconducting CNT network TFTs. Current densities are similar to those achieved at similar tube densities on amorphous silicon, indicating that e-SWCNT inks and related films are excellent semiconductor materials for TFTs fabricated by printing or other solution-based processes.

Experimental Details Materials:

Single-walled carbon nanotubes raw powder was produced in a Rice University Mark III high pressure carbon monoxide reactor using less catalyst in a yield of 1 gram per hour.

In a 100 mL beaker, the mixture of 100 SWCNTs raw powder and 100 mL of 2% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS, 99+% pure) aqueous solution were dispersed into 1 mg/mL solution using an ultrasonic processor (Cole Parmer, 20 W) equipped with a 0.5-inch Ti flat tip for 20 hours under continuous water cooling. The residue catalyst, large nanotube bundles and other impurities were removed via ultracentrifugation using a Beckman TL-100 ultracentrifuge equipped with a TLS-55 rotor. The top 90% of the supernatant was collected as the starting solution for gel chromatography.

Gel chromatography purification of SWNTs was performed using in-house packed columns packed with allyl dextran-based gel beads following a similar protocol in the literature.7 Briefly, a 20 mL of supernatant SWCNT solution was loaded to a column packed with 6 mL gel. The unabsorbed SWNTs were washed off with 2% SDS solution and the adsorbed SWCNTs on the column were eluted using 5% SDS solution. The unabsorbed SWNTs were then load to the column and eluted in the same way for four times. Then the (6,5) enriched fractions from the elution was then subjected to fine purification by repeating gel chromatography 4-6 times using gradient SDS concentrations. Roughly about 50 mL of pure (6,5) SWCNT purple solution was collected in a concentration of 6 μg/mL within 1 day.

The 2% SDS dispersed (6,5) SWCNT solution (15 mL, 6 μg/mL) was converted into 5% sodium cholate (SC) dispersed (6,5) SWCNT solution (6 mL, 15 μg/mL).

Device Fabrication:

Substrates including Borofloat 33 glass (Diameter: 100 mm, Thickness: 500 μm), Silicon wafer (SiO2 thickness: 500 nm) and quartz were treated with UV Ozone Cleaner (Jelight Model 42) for 15 minutes. After poly(1-Lysine) aqueous solution (0.1 weight %) flew through the substrates, the substrates were extensively washed with de-ionized water. The substrates were blown dry and further have 5% SC dispersed (6,5) SWCNT solution (15 μg/mL) flow through. Then the substrate was cured on hotplate at 110° C. for 10 minutes and followed with extensively washing with de-ionized water. The substrates were blown dry and annealed in vacuum oven at 200° C. for 2 hours. Thus clean (6,5) SWCNT was uniformly coated in substrates. The size of substrates can be as large as 120 inch in diagonal for Gen10 manufacturing line.

Drain/Source electrodes were patterned with photolithography using AZ2020 photo resistance gel. Then 10 nm Cr (0.5 A/s rate, 16% power) and 40 nm (3 A/s rate, 22% power) were deposited in sequence using Sloan E-Beam, and lift-off using acetone. For Pd electrodes, 40 nm Pd (3 A/s rate, 22% power) was deposited using Sloan E-Beam, and lift-off using acetone.

The (6,5) SWCNT thin film was patterned with photolithography using AZ 5214 photo resistance gel. The unpatterned (6,5) SWCNT thin film was etched with O₂ plasma (100 sccm flow, 100 W) using Oxford RIE and then patterned photo resistances were stripped off using acetone immediately. The 170 nm SiNx was deposited with plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (225° C., N2 100 sccm, He 400 sccm, NH₃ 10 sccm, SiH4 5.3 sccm). The 30 nm HfO₂ was deposited with atomic layer deposition (CH₃-TEMAH-200-H₂O at 200° C., 0.1 nm/cycle rate).

Gate electrodes were patterned with photolithography using AZ2020 photo resistance gel. Then 10 nm Cr (0.5 A/s rate, 16% power) and 90 nm (3 A/s rate, 22% power) were deposited in sequence using Sloan E-Beam, and lift-off using acetone. For Pd electrodes, 90 nm Pd (×3 A/s rate, 22% power) was deposited using Sloan E-Beam, and lift-off using acetone.

Drain/source pads were opened with photolithography using AZ 5214 photo resistance gel. The patterned SiNx or HfO₂ above drain/source pads were dry etched using Oxford RIE (3 sccm O2, 30 sccm CHF3).

Gold electrodes were aerosol jet printed using 4 nm gold nanoparticle in xylene (40 weight %) and cured at >200° C. for 30 minutes. Silver paste (SPI Chem ERL 4221 Epoxy Plasticizer) was used to bond copper wire (0.5 mm in diameter) on substrates.

Measurements:

The Vis-NIR absorption, NIR fluorescence emission (excited at 532 nm) and Raman spectroscopy (excited at 532 nm) of (6,5) SWCNT purple solution were measured on NS3 NanoSpectralyzer. SEM image of (6,5) SWCNT thin film was imaged with Stanford Nova NanoSEM. The current-bias curves, transfer characteristics, output characteristics and voltage output characteristic of Schottky diodes, NMOS and PMOS TFTs and CMOS inverters were measured with a Keithley 4200 SCS on SemiProbe PS4L M12 probe station. The transfer characteristics of devices were obtained by sweeping the gate voltage VG at a rate of −0.5 V/s. The source-to-drain voltage was kept constant at settled voltage. The output characteristics of devices were acquired by sweeping the source-to-drain voltage from 0 to 5 V at a rate of −0.1 V/s. The gate voltage was kept constant from 20 V 210 to −4 V with interval of 2 V. The current-bias curves of copper wire (0.5 mm in diameter) bonded Schottky diodes were tested with an Atlas DCA Pro analyzer/curve tracer from PEAK Instruments.

Preparation of E-CNT Thin Film Transistors Using Convention Semiconductor Fabrication Processes

The fabrication steps used in the manufacture of a bottom-gated e-SWCNT TFTs is described. The process demonstrates that e-SWCNT TFTs can readily be integrated into conventional TFT fabrication processes.

The fabrication of an e-SWCNT TFT is shown in FIGS. 13A-13D. FIG. 13A shows the deposition and definition of the metal gate (M1. FIG. 13B shows the sequential deposition of the SiN gate dielectric, a semiconducting layer of e-SWCNTs, and an SiN etch-stop layer. The SiN etch stop layer is etch backed to form an SiN etch stop pad (M2). The process is similar to that for conventional a-Si:H TFT, except that a SWCNT thin film layer is used instead. The SWCNT layer can be put down using spin coating or other liquid deposition method that is readily integratable into the conventional semiconductor fabrication line. Next, as shown in FIG. 13C, the n+ conductive layer is deposited and the TFT island is defined (M3). In FIG. 13D, a metal layer is deposited and defined to form the source and drain metal contacts, the n+ conductive material is removed to expose the SiN etch stop (M4), and a final passivation layer is deposited and a contact window opening is formed to the source, drain and gate metal contacts (M5).

In the Etch-Stop process, the contact window is formed by etching back to the SiN etch stop pad. FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of an e-SWCNT TFT and processing modules of the Etch-Stop process used in making the final device architecture.

An alternative process includes formation of e-SWCNT TFT using Back Channel Etch (BCE) processing. As shown in FIG. 15, the contact window is formed by etching back to the underlying SWCNT layer. FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of an e-SWCNT TFT and the Back Channel Etch (BCE) processing modules used in making the final device architecture. The process flow can be readily integrated into existing semiconductor fabrication processes.

The e-CNT inks and e-CNT thin films can be used in conventional devices, with minimal modification of existing fabrication methods. The performances of both top-gated and bottom-gated single chirality SWCNT thin film transistors (TFTs) are consistent and reproducible, remarkably different from those constructed on optically pure semiconducting SWCNTs. The stable and invariant device performances of e-SWCNT can be plausibly ascribed to their uniform diameter and chirality. TFT resembled fabrication processes compatible with conventional amorphous silicon TFT fabrication and performance characteristics of SiN_(x) top-gated and bottom gated e-SWCNT TFTs demonstrate the feasibility of producing high performance SWCNT TFT backplanes in existing amorphous Si manufacturing lines. E-SWCNT are compatible with high κ dielectrics used in ultrafast electronics, making electronically pure single chirality semiconducting SWCNT ink practical for applications in large scale electronics.

Although the disclosed subject matter has been described and illustrated in the foregoing exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example, and that numerous changes in the details of implementation of the disclosed subject matter may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter, which is limited only by the claims which follow.

Unless otherwise defined, used or characterized herein, terms that are used herein (including technical and scientific terms) are to be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their accepted meaning in the context of the relevant art and are not to be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. For example, if a particular composition is referenced, the composition may be substantially, though not perfectly pure, as practical and imperfect realities may apply; e.g., the potential presence of at least trace impurities (e.g., at less than 1 or 2%) can be understood as being within the scope of the description; likewise, if a particular shape is referenced, the shape is intended to include imperfect variations from ideal shapes, e.g., due to manufacturing tolerances. Percentages or concentrations expressed herein can represent either by weight or by volume.

Although the terms, first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements are not to be limited by these terms. These terms are simply used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a first element, discussed below, could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments. Spatially relative terms, such as “above,” “below,” “left,” “right,” “in front,” “behind,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element to another element, as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms, as well as the illustrated configurations, are intended to encompass different orientations of the apparatus in use or operation in addition to the orientations described herein and depicted in the figures. For example, if the apparatus in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term, “above,” may encompass both an orientation of above and below. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Further still, in this disclosure, when an element is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” “in contact with,” etc., another element, it may be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or in contact with the other element or intervening elements may be present unless otherwise specified.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting of exemplary embodiments. As used herein, singular forms, such as “a” and “an,” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise.

It will be appreciated that while a particular sequence of steps has been shown and described for purposes of explanation, the sequence may be varied in certain respects, or the steps may be combined, while still obtaining the desired configuration. Additionally, modifications to the disclosed embodiment and the invention as claimed are possible and within the scope of this disclosed invention.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the disclosed subject matter. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronically pure carbon nanotube thin film, comprising: a population of single-walled semiconducting carbon nanotubes essentially free of metallic impurities and organic material, and characterized in that when incorporated as a carbon nanotube network in a metal/carbon nanotube network/metal double diode, a nonlinear current-bias curve is obtained on application of a potential from 0.01 V to 5 V.
 2. The electronically pure carbon nanotube thin film of claim 1, wherein 99.9% or more of the carbon nanotubes are semiconducting.
 3. The electronically pure carbon nanotube thin film of claim 1, wherein 99.99% or more of the carbon nanotubes are semiconducting.
 4. The electronically pure carbon nanotube thin film of claim 1, wherein the carbon nanotubes comprise one or more chiralities selected from (6,1), (5,3), (7,0), (6,2), (5,4), (8,0), (7,2), (8,1), (6,4), (7,3), (6,5), (9,1), (8,3), (10,0), (9,2), (7,5), (8,4), (11,0), (12,2), (7,6), (9,4), (11,1), (10,3), (8,6), (9,5), (12,1), (11,3), (8,7), (13,0), (12,2), (10,5), (11,4), (9,7), (10,6), (13,2), (12,4), (14,1), (9,8), (13,3), (18,4), (20,2).
 5. The electronically pure carbon nanotube thin film of claim 4, wherein the semiconducting carbon nanotubes are a single chirality.
 6. The electronically pure carbon nanotube thin film of claim 4, wherein the carbon nanotubes are (6,5) single-walled carbon nanotube.
 7. The electronically pure carbon nanotube thin film of claim 1, wherein the semiconducting carbon nanotubes are a single tube diameter of 0.7 nm and length from 500 nm to 5 μm.
 8. The electronically pure carbon nanotube thin film of claim 1, wherein the carbon nanotube density is in a range from 1-1000 nanotubes per μm². 